apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

I'd take a soaking tub in any form. Maybe some people object because they look "geriatric?" But since I aspire to someday become geriatric myself, I'm not going to object to a tub that makes it easier to climb in and out.

But what if you had to get out real quick?? That would suck if you had to drain the whole tub if you just forgot to get your magazine. And furthermore, I like to do stuff while my bath is running. You would have to sit in there the whole time your bath was running, right?

If it could be partially sunken into the floor with access to get in and out then I would be more into it. Otherwise you have to stay in the tub while filling and draining it which is a turn off.

While I think your friend is clever and resourceful, this is like asking if wheelchair ramps or adjustable hospital beds are "Hot".

Thumbs down on this poll, Grace.

Hate these. Totally geriatric. Maybe when I'm 80 I'll want one.
Sunken tubs with little stairs get my vote though.

I disagree. The perception is that this is geriatric... and this perception is not shared outside of the US. Soaking tubs generally use less water than traditional American tubs, and hold their heat longer (because they are deeper, and there is less surface area for heat loss).

Apartment Therapy seems to focus on efficiency, because most apartments are small spaces. These tubs are efficient in many senses. I think it's an excellent poll question, and I would definitely rock one in my bathroom.

As I look at my "regular" size bathtub that is so shallow, a real soak is impossible, besides not being long enough to stretch out comfortably, this is looking pretty darn good.

I often wish my bathtub was deeper instead of long, so i think this is a great idea! Do you think it would be hard to clean?

Having been to Japan I understand the glory that is their soaking tubs. A shower usually occurs first to clean the body then a nice bath is drawn for a wonderful relaxing soak. They do tend to stay warmer longer due to surface area etc. I would rock that in a second if I had the choice.

NOT GERIATRIC - rather THERAPUTIC and I am all for that.

I say hot, since my lame little tub now is not much use for a decent soak.

My grandmother says "hot!"

Are there any square, deep tubs without a door?

this is not so hot.

I loathe this beast of a tub.

I always post on bathroom blogs because I work in Branding for TOTO, japanese manufacturer of airbaths and soaker tubs.

This thing is a disgrace to Interior Design, and I feel that a linen closet stocked with "depends" is needed if you have this ugly thing.

...I feel this way because on a daily basis someone visits my showroom raving about how cool they think these things are, and all I can do is roll my eyes in disgust.


Kiel

One word: Ofuro.

Not this ugly thing.

Someone please explain to me - you really have to get in and sit there while the water fills up around you to use this? And then after you have to sit there waiting for it to drain before you can open the door? That for me would take away any pleasure of the deep soaking ability.

I have a Japanese soaking tub now - and it takes a good while to fill up. No way would I want to have to be in it while it does so.

If you need this sort of apparatus to bathe, then that's okay. Otherwise, it's a frivolous, extravagant waste of water for something that still requires a shower afterwards to get fully clean.

Couldn't you use a step stool to get in after it fills up?

I wonder if there is any difference in how much water this uses vs a traditional bath.

I would rather sit in this thing and have my entire body covered than be half way lying down with my knees sticking out but I guess it depends on how big you tub is.

Molly Margarita said it best..."geriatric" was the first word that came to mind. Uggghhh.

All I can think of is the Infomercials advertising these things to people over 200 when I used to watch The Price is Right. If you are planning on staying in your home for good however, it might be a wise investment for the future.

I'm all for soaking tubs. There are some beautiful designs for them, but this is not one. I don't find them frivolous at all. A good soak in a deep hot bath is extremely therapeutic for muscle kinks and just overall relaxing. But most of our bathrooms (and everything in them) have been (and continue to be) designed like they're a necessary evil. And a walk-in like the one pictured doesn't help.

Oh...and I'm not elderly, but the geriatric jokes really suck.

Aesthetically, this is pretty ugly. But, I love the idea!

Ugly design, ugly for the environment. It looks like it holds more water for a single use than I use in a week (okay, I'm stretching it, but just barely).

Whenever I see the commercials for this tub, I think how much less space it would take up in my tiny bathroom - not to mention that at 5'2" I almost always bang my toes tripping into and out of the tub (its the original 1950's high tub) but since I don't see myself living in the same place into old age I guess i'll keep taking my chances that I won't be found unconscious or dead in my bathroom.